Monday

The next morning after the game Evan and Leif arrived early to school and parked on the far side of the lot, away from the other cars. They sat inside Evan’s truck killing time before the first bell rang.

“Mmm...Leif- mmm! Leif, goddammit, stop kissing me before somebody sees us!.Mmm!”

Leif ignored Evan and pulled him closer.

“No, I won’t!”

Evan gently pushed him back and smirked.

“Dude, after last night's game you’re the hero of this school, so you need to act like a professional,” said Evan poking Leif’s chest.

“Hero? That’s silly! I only executed the plays that you told me to run after you told Taylor to hand the ball to me. So how am I the hero if the whole team participated in the plays?” Leif asked with true befuddlement.

Evan’s jaw dropped with lust.

“That’s the sexiest thing you’ve ever said to me, Leif.”

Evan pushed Leif under the seat and climbed on top of him, pinning him to the truck floor. The young studs kissed and dry humped, until Evan remembered himself.

“No, no, dude, we have class in five minutes and everybody in the school is going to cheer at you when you walk in there because as of last night you’re a football hero! So you have to walk in there like a manly man and not some fruit who just came from making out with your teammate in a pickup truck,” said Evan, lifting himself off of Leif.

Leif turned away frustrated before grabbing at Evan’s hard on.

“But Evan, you’re good for another three minutes!”

Evan stomped his foot.

“No dude, you’re not listening so I’m pulling rank. I am your upperclassman and your team manager, and I order you to straighten yourself up and behave!”

Leif lay flat on the passenger seat and stared up at Evan’s sharp blue eyes. He then clutched Evan’s shirt and pulled him down. But Evan resisted.

“Leif, mmm, you have to behave!”

“No, let’s stay here,” he bit Evan’s tit.

“Ouch! Dammit!”

Leif buried his face in Evan’s chest, hiding.

“(Sigh)..Leif..”

“Yes Evan?”

“We have to go to class.”

Evan opened the passenger side door and stood firm, and Leif slinked out of the truck with a smirk.

“Ok fine, Manager Evan, I’ll behave.”

The Hallway

Leif walked ahead of Evan and barely made it to the school entrance before a swarm of cheering students accosted him.

“Hey, what’s all the fuss?” cried Leif, as screaming girls rushed him.

“Aaaah! Leif you can score a touchdown with me baby cause I love you!” yelled the girls.

“Oh, I love you too!” he replied, running away.

“Aaaah, come here!”

They captured him and kissed him. Soon after the crowd swelled and more football players arrived on the scene to include the quarterback Taylor who hugged Leif.

“Yo Leif, we the dynamic duo!” shouted Taylor as the crowd of students grew more rowdy.

“Ok cool! But uh, I have to get upstairs.”

Leif fought his way through the hallway crowd but stopped to take pictures, high five fans, and get love. He finally made it to the fourth floor where he headed for the chemistry lab and knocked on the door.

“Anya...you busy?” asked Leif peeking in the door.

Anya, surprised to see him shot up from her desk.

“Leif? What a rare treat, come in honey!”

She dashed toward him while scrolling the video function on her phone.

“Look, I filmed you the whole first half of the game see. You were so awesome, hee hee!”

She showed the video of him scoring and tried to kiss his cheek but he politely blocked her.

“Anya..I just stopped by to tell you that I found your mites hiding behind Rylan and Chloe’s beds.”

Leif opened his palm and displayed ten microchip sized bug bots, called mites. Anya stepped back with a cruel smirk.

“Well aren’t you clever today Leif. Well I supposed you figured out I used these mites to force Rylan and Chloe to open the gate a few times before you brats chased me here,” said Anya.

“That’s no secret. Maya and I figured that out when we arrived and all of the ampsediun had been depleted from Rylan’s yard...which meant you’d been making multiple trips and forcing Chloe and Rylan to open the gate without them knowing,” said Leif, pointing at the mites on the table.

“Heh heh, yes, that’s why they’d wake up glowing while inadvertently opening a gate for me.” She cocked her head sideways, “So now you caught me, good for you. But let me ask you golden boy, how are you and Maya going to get Rylan or Chloe to open the gate without a catalyst like a mite? Do you have another way?” she asked.

Leif smirked, and ignored her question.

“Don’t bother salvaging those mites. I pulled their power cores and got myself enough juice,” he flipped his weapon in Anya’s face, “For three full powered shots!”

Anya didn’t flinch, and Leif didn’t fire. But her eyes narrowed as he smiled and sheathed his weapon back under his uniform. She pushed her glasses on her face and shifted her weight to one side.

“Is there anything else I can do for you Leif?” she asked with a deep growl, glaring at him.

Leif turned his back on her and walked to the door, before stopping.

“Yes. When it comes to my sister, Rylan and you...you all seem to be enjoying some catty game with each other about a school play or something. And that’s fine because Rylan is a big boy and Maya can certainly handle you…... However-” Leif paused.

“However what?” asked Anya, staring at his back.

“-Anya, I swear to the gods of the four winds of this planet.” He turned and glared at her, “If you put Chloe in any danger I will kill you!”

Anya flinched, and the two stood in silence a long moment before she conceded.

“Don’t be late for class, Leif Alexander.”

“I won’t. Nice talking to you Ms. Anya Cesar.” He turned and exited the classroom, shutting the door behind him.

Anya stood still a moment before walking back to her desk and inspecting the dead mites Leif brought to her.

“God-damn you Leif, how the hell did you find all of them? Those mites were the only ones I had in this world!” she growled slamming the desk. “I guess I’ll have to use plan B then.”

Princess Auditions

During fourth period lunch Anya and two other teachers were to meet in the auditorium to grade Maya and Rebecca’s audition for the princess role in Rylan’s festival play. Anya arrived early hoping to speak with Rylan.

Time to remind Rylan we have a ‘diamond heist’ tomorrow night.

When Anya walked in the theater Rylan wasn’t there. Only one club member stood on stage slashing and thrusting a prop-sword. Anya locked eyes with the club member, who greeted her.

“Hello Ms. Cesar, are you here to vote against me for the princess part?” said a smirking Maya.

“Hmph! As much as you’d like that I’m here to vote for the best actress for the part...and since you’re no actress this’ll be easy, hee hee!” Anya laughed with contempt.

Maya continued smirking.

“Well, I’ll have you know I’ve been rehearsing with Rebecca...I’m sorry, My best friend Rebecca, thanks to you bringing us together, and I believe I have the character down perfect,” she said parrying and thrusting her prop-sword.

Anya turned away from Maya, unimpressed.

“Yeah, whatever. Where’s Rylan, I want to talk to him?” asked Anya.

“He’s in the back with Rebecca re-stitching the knight costume, he’ll be out in a minute,” said Maya looking down at Anya from the stage, “Oh, and Anya?”

“Yeah, what?”

“Leif told me he gave you back your useless mites today, and that you asked how we’d get Rylan or Chloe to open the rift gate without a catalyst.”

Anya squinted her eyes, suspicious of Maya’s topic.

“...So what if I did ask Leif?...Are you now going to tell me how you’re going to open that gate without mites?”

Maya paused with an evil grin.

“Not at alI, I just wanted to confirm with you that it could be done. And from your answer it seems you know how,” said Maya.

“Tch! You don’t know a goddamn thing Maya-”

“-I know what you taught me Anya!” Maya barked, prop-sword in hand.

Anya crossed her arms and glared at Maya. Both ladies stood silent for a long time before the backstage hallway door opened and four people entered the auditorium.

Anya glanced at the newcomers, who included Rylan with a costume in hand, Rebecca dressed in a beautiful white ‘princess’ gown, and two teachers.

Eh? Those are the judges!

The two teachers, Ms. Rothschild and Mr. Perez, waved at Anya from the stage.

“Hey Ms. Cesar, these students told us everything! You're amazing!” said Mr. Perez, hustling down to praise Anya.

“Eh? I-I’m amazing...how?” asked Anya smiling, not sure what they meant.

Ms. Rothschild dashed toward Anya.

“Ms. Cesar, your concept and your vision are spectacular! Instead of having the two best friends competing for-”

Anya cut her off.

“I’m sorry Ms. Rothschild, who and what best friends?” she asked.

Ms. Rothschild stepped back.

“Hmm? Why Rebecca and Maya of course! Rebecca told us how you insisted they become friends after arguing over the princess role and suggested that Maya play the part of the knight in the performance!” said Ms. Rothschild, smiling ear to ear.

“I suggested what?” asked Anya.

“A fantastic idea Ms. Cesar!” echoed Mr. Perez, “You know, I see now why the students all love you. It’s your kind of progressive thinking that….”

As Mr. Perez droned on Anya heard nothing. She turned and faced Rylan, who shrugged, and Maya who grinned back at her with pure evil.

“Heh! Well to be honest Mr. Perez, it was all Maya’s idea,” said Anya, staring daggers at Maya onstage.

You little titmouse bitch…

Rylan, sensing Anya’s fury, handed Maya her newly stitched ‘knight’ costume and quickly motioned Anya to follow him.

“Ms. Cesar, I need your advice about some things,” said Rylan.

He approached her humbly, as if she were in charge. Anya read his gesture and excused herself.

“Mr. Perez, Ms. Rothschild, I'm sure Rebecca and Maya will put on a spectacular performance for you, but if you will excuse me for a moment, I need to confer with the director about a few costume changes,” said Anya, stepping onstage.

She walked from the front of the stage to the small changing room behind the curtains. Rylan accompanied her while Rebecca and Maya stayed behind to provide the judges a rehearsal performance as the Princess and her Knight.

Seldom Do

When Anya and Rylan entered the room Anya shut the door, but Rylan spoke first.

“I’m not going to apologize for this. You’re gonna have to deal with it.”

“Deal with what Rylan?...Did you imagine I wanted to see Maya cry when she didn’t get the part? And then watch her friendship crumble with Rebecca as Rebecca kissed you on stage?” asked Anya.

“From your mouth to god’s ears lady,” said Rylan.

“Oh you think you have it all figured out don’t you?” barked Anya.

Rylan looked at her confused.

“Umm, yeah! It ain’t rocket science what you were trying to pull, Anya...I mean seriously, are you this much of a bitch that you need to-”

“-Need to what Rylan?" she growled, “What did I do? Hmm? Provide more financing for your play than the science club would allow? Hmm..Made sure that evil bitch Maya made friends, met a nice boy like you, went to a fair and had a good time?...Is that what you're accusing me of doing?”

Rylan paused.

“But, I’m sure all of that was part of your scheme for Maya and Rebecca to fight-”

“-And the result was they didn’t fight, they compromised and all of you are the best of friends now...where had this gone any other way you would’ve all been competitors,” she stated, with calm composure.

Rylan, thoroughly confused, balked at her explanation.

“...No, no..you’re evil...you didn’t do this to bring Maya and me or Rebecca together...or to make sure Maya had friends...No, that doesn’t make any sense, you don’t make any sense Anya! you-”

“Parents seldom make sense, Rylan.”

The room went quiet as Rylan replayed what Anya blurted.

“..Did you just say parent?” he whispered.

“You heard me,” she responded.

She grabbed his belt buckle and pulled him toward her. Rylan didn’t resist, but fought to get his words out.

“M-Maya and Leif...are they your..children?” he asked, his eyes wide.

Anya turned away.

“I think I’ve said too much to you baby,” she responded.

At that moment, everything hit Rylan. He slumped down on a stool and took it all in.

“That’s why you haven’t killed them...that’s why I saw you at the football game cheering and recording Leif with your phone. I thought you were acting...but no..you were serious! Y-You were truly cheering for Leif!”

Anya smirked, and Rylan continued.

“The money for the play...you released it after Maya joined the drama club.” He stood up and shook his head, “Anya...I don’t understand you...why do you have to do all of this evil shit when-..Mmmph!

She kissed him and pushed him back on the stool.

“Sssh...Rylan, just forget about all of that for now. You and I still have things to do tomorrow night at a certain vault in the city, don’t we?”

Rylan took a moment, and resisted.

“Anya...I don’t understand...maybe if you cooperate with Maya-”

She grabbed his face and shut his mouth.

“Rylan, stop fucking talking and stop thinking, because if you had any sense then you would see that Maya and Leif are gunning for me, and not the other way around! And you’re too stupid to see the truth that Maya’s playing you!”

“Dammit Anya, no! You keep saying this but with what proof? Seriously, what is Maya’s sinister plan that I can’t trust her? Hunh? Like you said I am too stupid to figure it out so just tell me!”

Anya backed up and smirked.

“Honestly sweet Rylan, even I don’t know what her plan is...But I know she has one, or I’d be dead by now, or at least she would’ve tried to kill me, hee hee!” she laughed.

“Yeah? And how the hell are you so sure Maya has a plan?” asked Rylan.

Anya, satisfied with her conversation walked out the door, but before she left, she half turned to answer him.

“Rylan, I’m sure because she’s my babygirl, and as you say on this planet, ‘The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.’’”

Rylan’s heart sank.

“No...that’s not true,” he said.

“Well stud, believe what you want. But I suggest, like all of our conversations, you keep all of this quiet and keep your eye on her,” said Anya, “Oh and Rylan, don’t forget about our appointment tomorrow night.”

Rylan faced the ground and spoke in a low voice, “How will I get away from Maya tomorrow?”

“Oh that’s easy!” said Anya, “You know that girl Stacy Danner? Really pretty, rich, went with you to the football game and wants to suck Leif’s cock?”

“Stacy? err..yeah..what about her?”

“Well, through Rebecca I arranged for Stacy’s mom to throw a private party for a few of Stacy’s friends tomorrow night. Stacy told her mom it was academic club related stuff. Just a handful of friends...maybe a little alcohol..maybe some drugs..who knows.”

“What?...You don’t even know Stacy or her mom...I mean..how do you pull this kinda shit off in one day?” cried Rylan.

“Because I’m amazing baby. It’s high time you figured that out. Now, you’ve all been invited to Stacy’s party tomorrow in her mansion in Sedona Hills. You go with Chloe, Maya and Leif and you have a good time. And when I’m ready to pick you up, I’ll call you and you ditch them!”

“But-”

“Don’t fuck with me Rylan! I’ll see you tomorrow!” barked Anya, slamming the changing room door behind her.

As Anya walked out to the stage the two teachers Ms. Rothschild and Mr. Perez clapped vigorously at the rehearsal performance staged by Rebecca and Maya, the princess and her knight. The girls bowed and curtseyed and Maya spun around as Anya approached from behind.

“It’s going to be a great show, Anya!” said Maya.

“I’m sure it will be Maya, do break a leg!” said Anya.

She diva walked off the stage, waved goodbye to the two teachers and Rebecca, and no one else, before exiting the auditorium with a secret smile, “Heh heh, my clever little girl!”

And quietly closed the door behind her.

...